The Great Debaters: A Triumph of Black Excellence
Not only does the great and discerning Denzel Washington have a commanding presence with an electric charisma and fiery delivery, but he’s also one of cinema’s greatest orators. His background in theatre and Shakespeare gives him a powerful control over his speech, and his words flow trippingly off the tongue in ways that perfectly fit his characters. We’ve recently seen Denzel Washington have a lot of fun with his scene-stealing performance in “Gladiator II” as a conniving arms dealer who plans to take over Rome, like the way he over-enunciates the word “politics-uh,” poking fun at the current bureaucracy.
This aspect of his performance style made him ideal for his role in “The Great Debaters” as Professor Melvin Tolson, a mercurial debate coach who encourages his students from a tiny, all-Black college in Texas to go up against Harvard University’s championship team. Controlling pitch, using pauses, and clearly articulating your argument are all important parts of making speeches and engaging in a debate, and Washington’s eloquence and authoritative demeanor perfectly carries all of this in his role as a teacher inspiring his pupils. He recites lines from Langston Hughes’ “I, Too, Sing America” and other writing by Countee Cullen.
But Denzel Washington doesn’t just bring his performing skills to the role. He also unexpectedly served as the director of “The Great Debaters,” which was his sophomore feature behind the camera. Denzel Washington’s directorial debut was the emotional military drama “Antwone Fisher,” and he would go on to adapt the powerful stage play “Fences.” Compared to those two projects, “The Great Debaters” flies a bit under the radar, despite having the ultra-high-profile Oprah Winfrey working on the film as the producer. Despite her involvement, “The Great Debaters” took a long time to get off the ground.
The Great Debaters was Oprah’s passion project
Oprah’s production company, Harpo Films, had been trying to bring “The Great Debaters” to life for almost 10 years. This was her passion project, and she became captivated by this true story of Black excellence — an achievement many may not have heard about, but deserved to be widely celebrated. In the 1930s, when the film is set, debate teams were rarely found at Black colleges, and students from these institutions were often underestimated for their intelligence due to decades of racial subjugation and cruelty.
“The Great Debaters” was a passion project for Denzel Washington as well:
“I love seeing other people do well. Nothing gives me greater joy than watching . . . I grew up in the Boys & Girls Club, and I worked with children. That was my life’s work before acting — helping kids. I’ve coached all of my children, as I’ve said many times, and I enjoy that.”
The only blight on Oprah’s success was that the real-life Professor Melvin Tolson’s family submitted a lawsuit against Harpo Films, claiming that they were owed funds for using his life story. However, according to The Hollywood Reporter, the judge ruled that the lawsuit was filed too late and lacked legal grounds.
Oprah describes “The Great Debaters” as a “stand-up-and-cheer” type of movie that leaves you with a feeling of “pure joy, of exhilaration, of hope.” While the classic underdog tale, blended with an inspiring teacher narrative, is a bit formulaic and the direction solid but not visually stunning, “The Great Debaters” hooks you with sharp writing and intelligent performances instead. Ultimately, it’s a very heartwarming film, and it’s thanks to Oprah’s vision and funding and Denzel Washington and his team’s execution that it came to fruition, allowing mainstream audiences to learn about the incredible triumphs of the Wiley College debate team.
Conclusion
In conclusion, “The Great Debaters” stands as a testament to the power of perseverance, passion, and the pursuit of excellence in the face of adversity. With stellar performances, impactful storytelling, and a message of hope and triumph, this movie shines as a beacon of inspiration for all who watch it.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. What inspired Denzel Washington to direct “The Great Debaters”?
Denzel Washington was inspired by the incredible true story of Black excellence portrayed in the film, along with his passion for coaching and mentoring young talents.
2. How long did Oprah’s production company work on bringing “The Great Debaters” to life?
Harpo Films worked on bringing “The Great Debaters” to life for almost 10 years, making it a true passion project for Oprah Winfrey.
3. What sets “The Great Debaters” apart from other inspirational movies?
“The Great Debaters” stands out for its powerful performances, sharp writing, and the compelling true story it brings to life, showcasing the triumphs of the Wiley College debate team.
4. What challenges did the characters face in “The Great Debaters”?
The characters in “The Great Debaters” faced challenges related to racial discrimination, underestimation of their intelligence, and the struggle to compete against prestigious universities like Harvard.
5. How did Denzel Washington’s background in theatre influence his role in the movie?
Denzel Washington’s background in theatre and Shakespeare gave him a commanding presence and eloquence that perfectly suited his character as Professor Melvin Tolson.
6. What message does Oprah Winfrey hope viewers take away from “The Great Debaters”?
Oprah Winfrey aims for viewers to experience feelings of joy, hope, and inspiration, as the movie highlights the triumph of the human spirit against all odds.
7. What legal issues arose during the production of “The Great Debaters”?
The real-life family of Professor Melvin Tolson submitted a lawsuit against Harpo Films, claiming financial compensation for using his life story in the movie.
8. How did Denzel Washington balance his roles as both the lead actor and director in “The Great Debaters”?
Denzel Washington seamlessly transitioned from a captivating lead actor to a skilled director, bringing his unique vision and expertise to the film’s production.
9. What makes “The Great Debaters” a heartwarming film despite its formulaic elements?
The heartwarming essence of “The Great Debaters” lies in its inspiring narrative, exceptional performances, and the resilience displayed by the characters in pursuit of their dreams.
10. How did the collaboration between Denzel Washington and Oprah Winfrey contribute to the success of “The Great Debaters”?
The collaboration between Denzel Washington and Oprah Winfrey brought together their shared passion for storytelling and uplifting narratives, resulting in a film that resonates with audiences worldwide.
Tags: The Great Debaters, Denzel Washington, Oprah Winfrey, Black Excellence, Inspirational Films, True Story, Debate Team, Wiley College, Triumph, Adversity, Hope